Modulation of subjective and objective indicators in college students with subthreshold depression by TEAS combined...

To observe the multimodal regulatory effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) five-tone music therapy (FTT) on cerebral oxygenation and digital tongue-pulse parameters in college students with subthreshold depression (SD) of the liver stagnation and spleen deficiency type.

Ninety eligible college students with SD were randomized into control, TEAS, and TEAS+FTT group (n = 30 each). The control group received general mental health education. The latter two groups received TEAS, with the TEAS+FTT group additionally listening to TCM liver-soothing and spleen-fortifying music (30 minutes/session, twice weekly for 4 weeks). Outcome measures included Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) scores, TCM syndrome scores, prefrontal Oxy-Hb levels, and digitalized tongue and pulse parameters.

No baseline differences existed (P>0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the TEAS+FTT group showed greater pre-post difference in HAMD-17 and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05), and significant increases in the left prefrontal Oxy-Hb slope (S17-D13, S20-D13 channels), tongue coating RGB values, left-hand H1 and right-hand Ass pulse wave value (P<0.05). Compared with the TEAS group, the TEAS+FTT group exhibited lower TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05) and significantly higher left prefrontal Oxy-Hb slope (S17-D13, S20-D13), tongue coating R-value, and right-hand Ass pulse wave value (P<0.05).

TEAS plus five-tone music therapy more effectively improves cerebral oxygenation, enhance visceral functional status, and alleviate depressive symptoms in college students with SD of the liver stagnation and spleen deficiency type compared to TEAS alone.